Inflammation Higher Among "Apple-Shaped" Women
(NY, Reuters Health,10/22/03)

Dr. Carlo Patrono from the Universita degli Studi "G. D'Annunzio" in Chieti, Italy, and team, screened the blood and urine of 93 obese women and 24 control subjects for substances indicating platelet activation, oxidative stress and inflammation. The scientists observed that obese women are at greater risk for heart disease and more likely to show signs of chronic inflammation, including persistent platelet activation and elevated levels of oxidative stress, than those of normal weight. In addition, those whose weight is concentrated in the abdominal area (android obesity) are at greater risk than those whose weight is concentrated on their hips and thighs (gynoid obesity). When 20 women with android obesity followed a 1,200-calorie daily diet for 12 weeks, those who lost at least 11 pounds reduced lipid peroxidation (associated with hardening of the arteries), platelet activation (linked to blood clots), C-reactive protein (a marker for inflammation), leptin (the “obesity hormone”) and insulin levels. These findings suggest that losing weight can lower the risk factors for heart disease, stroke and diabetes.